EAST RUTHERFORD -- Giants general manager Dave Gettleman certainly did not commit to Eli Manning as the team's starting quarterback for 2019 and beyond.

What Gettleman also did not do is say farewell to Manning, who has essentially held a firm grip on the job for the last 15 seasons.

That's just it with what Gettleman told a room full of reporters inside the Giants' auditorium during his season-ending news conference Wednesday: he left the door open to any and all possibilities, and not just with Manning, but just about everything else as the 67-year-old executive continues on his quest to return the franchise to its winning ways.

The Giants finished 5-11, the fourth time in the last five seasons they had double-digit losses. When Gettleman and head coach Pat Shurmur took over a year ago, they promised to own the 3-13 campaign, even though Jerry Reese and Ben McAdoo -- fired in December 2017 -- were responsible for the losing that came before their arrival.

What the Giants have been since then -- well, that's on Gettleman, Shurmur and the rest who are still here, still promising to turn this team around.

"I always hate the word rebuild. I don’t ever like it," Gettleman said Wednesday. "You just keep going, you just keep building. That’s really what we’re doing here. We’re doing our best to accumulate the talent that fits our schemes and understands how to play the game. That’s what it really is about. And we’re going to continue and get it right. We’re gonna fix it. We’re gonna fix it.”

Here are five takeaways on the issues Gettleman addressed:

Eli Manning's uncertain future

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Newman High School junior quarterback Eli Manning fades back to pass during a game against Warren Easton in New Orleans Sept. 12, 1997. Eli is the son of former Saints quarterback Archie, and brother to University of Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning. (AP Photo/David Rae Morris) ASSOCIATED PRESS

Mississippi quarterback Eli Manning (10) and coach David Cutcliffe, are seen in Oxford, Miss., Sept 1, 2001, hope to have their offense working on all levels when they confront Alabama, Saturday, Oct. 13, 2001 in Oxford. Manning is second in the SEC to Florida's phenomenal Rex Grossman in passer rating (160.7), yards (1,073) and touchdowns (10). He has thrown just one interception and 14 different players have caught his passes. (AP Photo/Rogelio Solis, File) ASSOCIATED PRESS

Mississippi quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks downfield in the first half against Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2001. Manning was 24-of-39 for 265 yards with an interception and a TD despite being held to 39 yards passing in the first half. Auburn won 27-21. (AP Photo/Dave Martin) ASSOCIATED PRESS

Mississipppi's Eli Manning poses with the Maxwell Award for best all-around player following the Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003, at the Atlantic Dance Hall at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette) SCOTT AUDETTE, AP

Eli Manning, left, a quarterback from Mississippi, holds the San Diego Chargers jersey as he stands with his mother, Olivia, and father, Archie, at the NFL draft Saturday, April 24, 2004 in New York. Manning was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 draft. (AP Photo/John Marshall Mantel) AP

New York Giants draft pick Eli Manning holds up his new Giants jersey as he poses with coach Tom Coughlin, left, and general manager Ernie Accorsi Saturday, April 24, 2004, in East Rutherford, N.J. The San Diego Chargers chose Manning with the No. 1 pick overall and the Giants swapped their No. 4 pick, quarterback Philip Rivers, and draft picks for Manning. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) BILL KOSTROUN, AP

Eli Manning, a quarterback from Mississippi, holds up a New York Giants jersey while standing next to his brother Peyton, quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts at the NFL draft Saturday, April 24, 2004 in New York. Manning was the number one draft pick in the first round by the San Diego Chargers and traded to the Giants. (AP Photo/Ed Betz) AP

In his first NFL game, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning fumbles the ball as he's hit by Philadelphia Eagles end Jerome McDougle, left, in the fourth quarter of the Eagles' 31-17 win Sunday, Sept. 12, 2004, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy) AP

In this October 23, 2005 photo, Eli Manning making a key third down throw for a first down on their final game winning drive against the Broncos. Giants vs. Broncos Sunday at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. Beth Balbierz / The Record

In this November 13, 2005 photo, New York Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin talking with QB Eli Manning late in the 4th quarter vs. Minnesota Vikings Sunday afternoon at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. Beth Balbierz / The Record

In this photo provided by Kraft, quarterback brothers Peyton, left, and Eli Manning compete in an Oreo cookie eating contest for a new Oreo cookie ad at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, in June 2007. The ad is expected to debut on Jan. 13. Referee at center is an unidentified actor. (AP Photo/Photo courtesy of Kraft) AP

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Chris Canty (99) sacks New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the second quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) AP

New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin smiles as he stands in the locker room with players Michael Strahan, left, and Eli Manning, right, after their 23-20 overtime win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) AP

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning directs the offense as center Shaun O'Hara waits to snap the ball during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Bill Kostroun, ASSOCIATED PRESS

New York Giants Eli Manning tries to get rid of the ball as San Diego Charges Larry English dives for the tackle during Sunday Giants loss 21-20 at Giants Stadium on November 8, 2009. TYSON TRISH/THE RECORD

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, poses with New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez after the official signing ceremony of the 2014 Super Bowl bid, Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at New Meadowands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) Bill Kostroun, ASSOCIATED PRESS

In this Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, photo, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) points as the Giants line up during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia. Associated Press

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) reacts as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants lost the game 38-35. Kathy Willens, ASSOCIATED PRESS

In this December 19, 2011 photo, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) can not get the pass off as Washington Redskins defensive lineman Darrion Scott grabs his foot during Sunday's Giants' loss 23-10 at MetLife Stadium. TYSON TRISH, Tyson Trish/The Record

On June 19, 2012, Eli Manning waited on customers at Dunkin' Donuts in Secaucus on Tuesday. Dunkin' Donuts has announced a partnership with New York Giants two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning. AMY NEWMAN/THE RECORD

Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning The Ninth Annual Tom Coughlin Jay Fund "Champions for Children Gala,” was held at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. This year Giants Owner John Mara and Frank J. Bisignano, CEO First Data Corporation were honored at the event. 10/23/2013 Jeremy Smith, NJMG

In this October 29, 2013 photo, Citizen Watch Company of America, Inc. hosts a kick-off event to honor Brand Ambassador Two-Time MVP and Champion Quarterback Eli Manning with the introduction of the new Citizen Eco-Drive Limited Edition Eli Manning World Time A-T watch held at the Macy's Garden State Plaza with Heather Zwain. Eugene M. Parciasepe Jr./NJMG

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, accompanied by team co-owner Steve Tisch, second from right, stops to sign autographs before ringing the New York Stock Exchange closing bell, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014. AP

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Landover, Md., Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014. The Giants defeated the Redskins 45-14. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

In this April 21, 2015, Wayne teen brothers Wyatt and Josh Benson receive Boy Scout Heroism Award for saving their fathers life off the shores of Long Island last summer. Two time Super Bowl champion NY Giants QB Eli Manning on hand to present the award in East Rutherford. Brian Hester, NJMG

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass before an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) Julie Jacobson, AP

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. greet each other during warm ups. New Orleans Saints at New York Giants on Sunday, September 18, 2016. Danielle Parhizkaran, The Record

New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) after the game. The New York Giants defeated the Baltimore Ravens 27-23 at MetLife Stadium on October 16, 2016. Danielle Parhizkaran, The Record

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) scrambles out of the pocket as guard John Jerry (77) puts a block on Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Connor Barwin (98) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. Frank Franklin II, AP

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) gets rid of the ball just as he's hit by the Eagles defense. The Philadelphia Eagles defeat the New York Giants 24-19 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA on Thursday, December 22, 2016. Danielle Parhizkaran/Northjersey.com

NY Giants quarterback Eli Manning poses for a selfie with a fan following the Tackle Kids Cancer All Stars event at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, May 7, 2017. Manning matched $100,000 in fundraising efforts from the community for the Children's Cancer Institute at Hackensack UMC. Total fundraising from the effort reached $250,000 in 2016. AMY NEWMAN/THE RECORD

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) signals to his receivers in the first half. Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday, December 10, 2017. Parhizkaran, Danielle, Danielle Parhizkaran/Northjersey

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) warming up on the field. The New York Giants lost to the Cleveland Browns 20-10 in a preseason game in East Rutherford, NJ on Thursday, August 9, 2018. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

Sep 16, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) and quarterback Eli Manning (10) on the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) walks off the field after the Giants' 34-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in East Rutherford. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

Manning met with Gettleman on Monday and the two shared a "no holds barred" and what the latter referred to as "a very honest and up-front conversation," presumably about the direction the Giants will head at the position moving forward.

Now, here's the thing: Gettleman later revealed in the news conference that it was Manning who requested the meeting -- "It wasn't like he was called to the principal's office" -- and the GM obliged.

"He took me in the low post one on one," Gettleman said, adding: "I’ll keep what was said private between he and I. In terms of any question you’re gonna ask me today, OK, just so you understand, we will do what’s in the best interest of the New York football Giants. That’s the way we’ve operated since I walked in the door and that’s the way we will continue to operate. What we’re trying to do here is build sustained success. That takes some brutal honesty and it takes some tough decisions."

Given the chance to commit to saying Manning would be the Giants quarterback in 2019, Gettleman refused to offer any substantial clarity either way.

"Here’s what I’m committed to do: I’m committed to making the best decision in the interest of the New York football Giants," Gettleman added. "That’s what I’m committed to do. We’re in the evaluation process. I know you guys want answers now but quite frankly I didn’t come in yesterday. I’ve got to do what I do, which is get in my office and watch film. We will meet this week with the coaches and get their evaluations, we’ll meet next week with pro personnel to get their evaluation, get their feelings on everything. That’s our schedule. I will be watching film for the next who knows how long until my eyes bleed. That’s what I do. My commitment is to make this team the best team it can be. If that happens to have Eli playing quarterback, it does."

The fact that Manning wanted to talk to Gettleman on Monday and essentially called the meeting is reason to believe that there will be an ongoing exchange here of opinions.

It's not just the Giants evaluating Manning. After 15 seasons, it's very likely that Manning is evaluating the Giants and just how close they are to winning again.

Here's what Archie Manning, Eli's father, told ESPN after Sunday's 36-35 loss to the Cowboys: “If Eli is done playing, I’m fine with it. But if he comes back, the Giants have got to win. They can’t go through another season like this.”

Gettleman was clear that he believes Manning can still play to some extent, insisting that the two-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback who turns 38 on Thursday can still make all the throws. It's also pretty clear the Giants are weighing their options, as is Manning, considering the $23.3 million he is scheduled to make in the final year of his contract, the possibility that the team may look to restructure the deal to create salary cap space, and the prospects that Gettleman brought up "sustained success" -- which speaks to more than just a one-year commitment at the quarterback position.

What happens next remains uncertain, but if the Giants are committed to exploring all options at quarterback -- those include Manning for another year, a 2019 draft pick or a veteran free agent -- it's safe to say will be very interesting.

Commitment to Odell Beckham Jr.

"We didn't sign him to trade him, if that's what you're asking," Gettleman said of Beckham, who finished with 77 catches for 1,052 yards and six touchdowns before missing the last four games of the season with a quad injury suffered when he was leg-whipped on the final play against the Eagles.

Beckham signed a five-year extension worth up to $95 million with $60 million guaranteed in September.

When a reporter followed up asking whether that meant Beckham would be with the Giants in 2019, Gettleman quipped: "You heard what I said."

Could things change? Of course. The NFL is like that. But the Giants are a better team with Beckham than without him, and they believe that.

No regrets on Saquon Barkley

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New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) rushes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half. The Giants defeat the Buccaneers 38-35 on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in East Rutherford. (Danielle Parhizkaran/@danielleparhiz) Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) stiff-arms Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) as a flag is thrown for a penalty against the Giants. The New York Giants defeat the Chicago Bears in overtime 30-27 on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in East Rutherford. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 09: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants rushes for a 78-yard touchdown in the second quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on December 9, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) Getty Images

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) is picked up offensive guard Jamon Brown (78) as they celebrate his 78-yard touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) The Associated Press

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates his touchdown in the second half. The New York Giants defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38-35 on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in East Rutherford. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) rushes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half. The Giants defeat the Buccaneers 38-35 on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in East Rutherford. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) breaks a Tampa Bay Buccaneer tackle in the second half. The Giants defeat the Buccaneers 38-35 on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in East Rutherford. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) dives into the endzone for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in East Rutherford. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over his own teammate on his way to touchdown in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in East Rutherford. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) finds a hole in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive line in the first quarter. The New York Giants face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in NFL Week 11 on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in East Rutherford. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) and Washington Redskins linebacker Josh Harvey-Clemons (40) stiff-arm each other in the second half. The Giants lose to the Redskins 20-13 on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in East Rutherford. (Danielle Parhizkaran/@danielleparhiz) Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) and Washington Redskins safety Montae Nicholson, right, talk after the game. The Giants lose to the Redskins 20-13 on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in East Rutherford. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) jumps over an Eagles defender in the first half. The New York Giants face the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in East Rutherford. (Danielle Parhizkaran/@danielleparhiz) Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) rushes in the second half. The New York Giants face the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in East Rutherford. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) walks off the field after the Giants' 34-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in East Rutherford. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) on the sideline in the second half. The New York Giants lose 34-13 to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in East Rutherford. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps for a touchdown in the second half. The New Orleans Saints defeat the New York Giants 33-18 on Sunday, September 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, NJ. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) on the field in the second half. The New Orleans Saints defeat the New York Giants 33-18 on Sunday, September 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, NJ. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

Sep 16, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) and quarterback Eli Manning (10) on the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants co-owner and team president John Mara, left, talks to running back Saquon Barkley during NFL football training camp, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. AP Photo/Julio Cortez

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley works out individually while the rest of the team works out together during NFL football training camp, Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. AP Photo/Julio Cortez

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) walks onto the field after the Giants lose to the Cleveland Browns 20-10 in East Rutherford, NJ on Thursday, August 9, 2018. (Danielle Parhizkaran/@danielleparhiz) Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) and Cleveland Browns defensive back Jabrill Peppers (22) hug after the game. The Cleveland Browns defeated the New York Giants 20-10 in East Rutherford, NJ on Thursday, August 9, 2018. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) smiles on the bench. The New York Giants face the Cleveland Browns in a preseason game in East Rutherford, NJ on Thursday, August 9, 2018. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) on the field after the game. The Cleveland Browns defeated the New York Giants 20-10 in East Rutherford, NJ on Thursday, August 9, 2018. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley on the field for warm-ups. The New York Giants face the Cleveland Browns in a preseason game in East Rutherford, NJ on Thursday, August 9, 2018. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and rookie runningback Saquon Barkley (26) talk on the field during NFL training camp in East Rutherford, NJ on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

Gettleman was again adamant about how he does not second-guess the decision to draft Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick last spring, thus bypassing on the chance to draft a quarterback, whether it was Sam Darnold, who went to the Jets one pick later, or anyone else.

"I respond to it by saying, you have to take the best player available," Gettleman said. "If you are reaching, you’re going to get into trouble. Us taking Saquon was not a referendum on the quarterbacks, it was a referendum on Saquon. On the player he is and the person he is. If I was in that situation 100 times, I would draft him 100 times."

Confidence in Pat Shurmur

Eight teams are currently in the beginning stages of a coaching search.

The Giants went through the cycle twice in the last three years, but Gettleman expressed confidence that team brass picked the right coach in Pat Shurmur last January.

"If anything [watching Shurmur coach this season] reinforced my feeling about him a year ago when we went through the interview process," Gettleman said. "It was the steadiness, it was the message, it was… We were 1-7 and we had two practices during the bye week that, it just was kind of amazing. ... There is no doubt in my mind he’s the right guy."

Expect defensive upgrades

There will be changes offensively, that's to be expected, but Gettleman did not skirt the issue that defensive coordinator James Bettcher was somewhat shorthanded in 2018.

That's what makes Gettleman's point about not forcing a quarterback in the draft stand out, especially with the Class of 2019 featuring so much talent, especially in the front 7.

"That’s why you’re 5-11. We’ve got to continue to improve," Gettleman said. "It’s tough, it’s not easy to win games when you do not have playmakers. We need to improve the defense, guys. Just like I looked you right in the eye last year and told you we got to fix this O-line. We’ve got to get better on the defensive side."

Email: stapleton@northjersey.com

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NY Giants running back Saquon Barkley talks to reporters Monday as the team packed up at the conclusion of the 2018 season.
Art Stapleton, Staff Writer, @art_stapleton